A new destination restaurant has officially launched at the stunning four-star Macdonald Berystede Hotel & Spa in Ascot.

The very attractive new restaurant describes itself as 'casual fine dining' so that mixed parties of 'foodies' and the plain hungry, can dine together with ease. Whatever your choice though, you can be assured of first class, fresh ingredients and first class wine.

The 90-seater, Acanthus Restaurant offers a relaxed approach to fine dining, serving both gourmet dishes, and light bites, which guests can enjoy throughout the day surrounded by views of stunning manicured gardens.

The menu, has been crafted by head chef Ramneek Chugh in collaboration with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts Regional Chef Raj Chakraborty, a well-known figure in the industry who has worked with several Michellen-starred chefs throughout his career. It uses the finest ingredients, many of them locally-sourced, to create flavoursome lunches, sumptuous dinners, tempting light dishes and decadent afternoon teas.

Chefs at Acanthus select only the best Scottish beef from renowned suppliers Scotbeef, British lamb and wild white fish, sourcing organic vegetables and dairy products where possible. Guests can indulge on an assortment of dishes from hand-shucked Cornish Oysters, to Venison Terrine with Apple Chutney, Wild Mushrooms & Winter Truffle Risotto, Rib of Beef on the Bone and Gratinated Scallops from Orkney served in a White Wine Sauce with Gruyere Cheese, as well as perennial favourite Beer Battered Haddock and Chips with Crushed Peas.

On offer throughout the day will be a variety of dishes including, Devon Crab Linguini and the famous Macdonald Hotels & Resort’s Fish Pie as well as a selection of fresh salads.

Amongst the desserts are Baked Chocolate Pudding with Coffee Ice Cream, Rum Baba with Chantilly Cream as well as twists on classics with the Honeycomb, Raspberry and Elderflower Trifle.

Macdonald Berystede Hotel & Spa has worked closely with wine-supplier Bibendum to create a wine list that complements both the à la carte and market menus, making the Acanthus Restaurant suitable for all occasions whether it is a gourmet feast, romantic meal for two or a relaxed lunch with friends.

With an elegant and stylish design throughout, the Acanthus Restaurant offers a variety of eatery experiences, including a cosy snug area, perfect for private dining, and an outdoor terrace for the summer months, where guests can take in views of leafy woodlands and landscaped gardens. In the centre of the restaurant stands a striking ornamental tree. The decorative piece was created by a local artist from fallen branches and has been inspired by the natural surroundings of the hotel. Acanthus also boasts large windows which fill the restaurant with a calming natural light, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery no matter the weather

Ramneek Chugh head chef at the Acanthus Restaurant said; “Diners can expect only the finest quality ingredients, and an exciting menu which exhibits an array of flavoursome dishes.

“Ascot is well-known hot-spot for culinary excellence, with a thriving food and drink scene and I am confident our Acanthus Restaurant will be a fantastic addition.”

Edward Adshead, general manager at Macdonald Berystede Hotel & Spa, said: “We wanted to create an environment where diners can experience all the luxury of fine dining, in a relaxed and tranquil setting.

“After months of work, we are excited to begin welcoming international guests and locals alike.”

A short drive from Heathrow Airport, The Macdonald Berystede Hotel & Spa is the nearest four-star hotel to the famous Ascot Racecourse. While it is set in beautiful landscaped gardens, it is still close to the M3, M4 and M25 motorways and less than an hour by train from central London, making it a popular choice for business and leisure visitors alike.